Featured Reviews

Charles Wiffen Wines - Archive

An archive of Charles Wiffen wines from the Wine2Trade portfolio no longer available

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand – Marlborough

18-/20

Early and later fruit harvesting for a range of fruit expression, fermented to 13.3% alc. and 2.5 g/L rs, 6% in seasoned French oak. Very pale straw-yellow colour with a pale edge, this has a very powerful and intense nose of grass, English gooseberries and nettles with fresh garden herbs. The bouquet is very fresh and brash. Dry to taste, this is still very tightly bound, but shows intense and concentrated herb, nettle and grassy flavours with a degree of sweetness and succulence. Crisp, slippery acidity contributes to the fruit exuberance and drives the palate to the sustained finish. Drink this driven, linear and zesty wine with seafood, poultry and vegetarian dishes over the next 2-3+ years. 18.0-/20 Aug 2011 RRP $21.35

Youthful pale straw-yellow in colour, this has a powerful and intense bouquet of grassy, herbaceous and nettle-like fruit, pungent and punchy, yet tightly bound. Carrying 13.3% alc. and around 3 g/L rs, this surprises with the degree of fruit sweetness and succulence of the herb and nettle-like, English gooseberry fruit flavours. While the acidity is racy and lively, the textures are soft. A wine that will match shellfish, salads, vegetables and herb marinated poultry over the next 2-3 years. Apr 2011 RRP $21.35

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand – Marlborough

17.5-/20

Fruit sourced from a selection of ‘Wiffen' blocks, 10% fermented in seasoned French oak barriques to 13.0% alc. and 2.1 g/L rs, the wine given light lees contact. Bright, very pale straw colour with some green hues, pale on rim. The nose is softly full and voluminous, showing ripe gooseberry fruit, yellow capsicums and subtle hints of tropical fruits. Dry to taste, clean, fresh gooseberry and capsicum flavours gently unfold and flow seamlessly through the palate. The mouthfeel is smooth and the acidity is well-balanced and lacy. There is a gradual building of weight and presence which adds to the drive, leading to a moderately long, delicately nuance finish of limes and white florals. This is a gently expressed Sauvignon Blanc with good presence and fine textures to match with seafood and poultry dishes over the next 2 years. 17.5-/20 Jun 2012 RRP $21.35

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand – Marlborough

17.5+/20

Bright, pale straw colour with slight green hues. The nose is fresh, bright and lively with
aromas od gooseberries and blackcurrant leaf, aromatically lifted with nuances
of tropical fruits, citrus, green capsicums and nettle-like notes. Dry to taste, tightly bound flavours of
gooseberries, blackcurrant leaves, capsicums and herbs form an elegantly
concentrated core. The mouthfeel is fine
and firm with slippery, mouthwatering acidity.
The flavours flow with good linearity and subtle textures to a
moderately sustained, dry finish featuring white florals, fresh herbs and limes. This is an elegant ant tightly contained, thirst-quenching
Sauvignon Blanc with aromatic gooseberry flavours. Serve with seafood, salads, vegetables and
most Asian fare over the next 2 years. Fruit
from various parcels from the Wiffen vineyards in the Southern Valleys,
fermented with 15% in seasoned French barriques to 12.9% alc. and 2.3 g/L
rs. 17.5+/20 Apr 2013
RRP $21.35

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the
company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand – Marlborough

18-/20

Bright pale straw colour near colourless on rim. This has a fresh and gentle bouquet with
delicate and lifted aromas of gooseberries, yellow stonefruits and herbs,
revealing lifted floral and sweet pea notes in the glass. Dry to taste and medium-bodied, moderately concentrated
and bound fruit flavours of sweet, ripe gooseberries intermingle with yellow
stonefruits and herbs, forming a smooth flowing core and palate line. Some fine drying textures and fresh, firm,
mouthwatering acidity underlines the fruitiness, bringing out lifted floral and
herbal nuances. The flavours follow a
crisp, textural line to a long and sustained, dry, minerally finish. This is an attractive, mouthwateringly dry
Sauvignon Blanc with and array of aromatic fruit flavours. Match with antipasto, tapas, seafood and
vegetables over the next 2 years. Fruit
from the ‘Wiffen’ blocks in the Southern Valleys, fermented with 14% in
seasoned French oak barriques to 13.3% alc. and 1.1 g/L RS. 18.0-/20
Nov 2013 RRP $21.35

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the
company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand – Marlborough

17.5+/20

Bright, very pale straw colour with slight green hues, near
colourless on edge. This has a very
fresh and intense nose with concentrated aromas of gooseberry fruit entwined
with grassy and nettle-like elements, along with lifted lime, green capsicum
and mineral nuances. Dry to taste,
tightly bound fruit flavours of gooseberries, grass and minerals show with
clarity and focus. The mouthfeel is
crisp, racy and refreshing with bracing acidity, and the wine follows a very
fine-textured line. The palate leads to
a dry, chalky, minerally, mouthwatering finish.
This is a crisp, racy and dry, gooseberry-fruited Sauvignon Blanc with
focus and clarity. Serve as an aperitif,
with seafood and Pacific Rim fare over the next 2 years. Fruit from the Wiffen’s ‘Flipper’ block,
cool-fermented in stainless-steel to 13.2% alc. and 1.6 g/L RS, the wine aged
on lees. 17.5+/20 Nov 2014
RRP $21.35

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the
company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates

Charles Wiffen ‘Reserve' Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand – Marlborough

17+/20

Bright pale straw-yellow colour with pale green hues. This has an elegant and restrained nose of capsicums, gooseberries and herbs along with a delicate oak spiciness. Dry to taste, this has a full, weighty, vinous body and softly dense textures, matched by fresh acidity. The flavours are light, showing nectarines, herbs and minerals, with nuances of spice and savoury fruits emerging with air time. Fine, fresh acidity sustains the finish. Fruit from the ‘Wiffen' vineyard fermented to 12.9% alc. and dryness, 16% in old French barriques. A stylish, restrained wine with intricacies to match seafood, poultry and pork over the next 3-4 years. 17.0+/20 RRP $24.55

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Riesling 2009

Riesling from New Zealand – Marlborough

18-/20

Pale straw-yellow with a pale edge and hues of green, this has a softly tight nose of lime fruit with a little honey and minerals showing along with a little secondary toasty complexity appearing. Off-dry, this has fresh acidity driving the palate line of lime fruits, yellow florals and honey. Some secondary toasty notes are showing, as well as a fine, phenolic textural thread. The finish blossoms with florals and honey and is sustained. 80% of the fruit is from old vines from the ‘Wiffen' vineyard. Fermented to 12.3% alc. with 12 g/L rs, Drink as an aperitif and with Asian cuisine over the next 4-5 years. 18.0-/20 Sep 2011 RRP $20.15

Pale straw-yellow in colour, with bright aromas of limes and honey, and the beginnings of secondary toasty complexities. This is an elegant wine at 12.3% alc., and dry tasting, the 12 g/L rs countered by the lively, racy acidity. Excellent fruit interest with the toasty notes adding another layer. This should drink well for another 4-5+ years. Apr 2011 RRP $20.15

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Riesling 2010

Riesling from New Zealand – Marlborough

18.5+/20

Bright, even, light straw-yellow colour with light golden hues. This has a soft, delicate and subtle bouquet that gently grows in volume, showing detailed citrus fruit and honeysuckle notes, and faint secondary toasty nuances. Dryish to taste, the palate is tight and restrained, with delicate and lively yellow floral, honeysuckle and citrus fruit flavours beautifully poised on a crisp and very fine-featured palate. This is smooth and refined in mouthfeel, the sweetness and luscious elements unfolding with nuances of toast and minerals. The palate has a refined, concentrated core that leads to a very long, lingering finish featuring lime and lemon, honey and toast all intermingling. Fruit from three blocks in the Wither Hills and Southern Valleys area, 61% from old vines from two Charles Wiffen vineyards, cool-fermented in stainless-steel to 11.7% alc., 15 g/L rs, with a pH of 2.7 and TA 8.6 g/L. This is a tight and refined dryish Riesling with detailed floral and honey flavours, now just beginning to show some bottle development nuances. Serve as an aperitif or with Asian cuisine over the next 5-6+ years. 18.5+/20 Apr 2012 RRP $20.15

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Riesling 2011

Riesling from New Zealand – Marlborough

18.5+/20

Brilliant straw-yellow colour with lemon-green hues, lighter
edged. This has an elegant but intensely
penetrating and tightly bound bouquet of steely lime and lemon fruit entwined
with a honied and toasty amalgam showing taut mineral elements and some
complexing secondary detail. Medium-dry
to taste, the palate is elegant and tautly held with thirst-quenching flavours
of limes and lemonade and toasty, mineral elements. The freshness of the mouthfeel is enhanced by
crisp, racy acidity and a very fine-textured, dry line. Subtle creamy and honied richness and toasty
secondary development balances the acidity and phenolics and the wine carries
to a long, sustained finish. This is an
elegant, crisp, thirst-quenching medium-dry Riesling with lime, mineral and
toasty flavours. Serve as an aperitif
and with fine Asian fare over the next 4-5 years. Fruit from the two ‘Wiffen’ Riesling blocks
cool-fermented in stainless-steel to 11.6% alc. and 14 g/L RS, TA 9.4 g/L and
pH 2.82. 18.5+/20 May 2015
RRP $20.15

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the
company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Pinot Gris 2009

Pinot Gris from New Zealand – Marlborough

17+/20

Second crop from the ‘Wiffen' vineyard, fermented to 12.5% alc. and 12 g/L rs, 10% in seasoned French oak barriques. Bright, deep straw-yellow colour with some golden hues, this has a full, voluminous nose, the aromas of pears and ripe yellow stonefruits a little shy, but with some flinty, minerally interest. Off-dry to taste, this is full and rounded on palate, with restrained pear and peachy flavours. There is good weight, and an unctuous texture is enhanced by lowish acidity and a creaminess. This has a warmth and succulence, and the shy flavours should unfold over the next 2-3+ years. Match with antipasto and Mediterranean cuisine . 17.0+/20 Sep 2011 RRP $24.00

Light golden hues to the straw-yellow colour, the nose is soft, full and ripe with pear fruit along with a little flinty lees work showing. Off-dry to taste, the lees nuttiness and creamy texture adds to the weight and gentle succulence from the fruit. The flavours are a little shy at present, but should unfold over the next 2-3+ years. 12.5%alc., and 12 g/L rs. Apr 2011 RRP $24.00

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Pinot Gris 2010

Pinot Gris from New Zealand – Marlborough

18-/20

Soft straw-yellow colour with the faintest hint of blush, pale on rim. This has a tightly bound, but concentrated bouquet of yellow stonefruits with flinty complexities, revealing notes of spices, honey and yellow florals. Off-dry, this has good weight and presence, showing luscious flavours of sweet, ripe stonefruits combined with lively and refreshing acidity. Layers of honey, spices, minerals and nuts unfold, adding an unctuous, creamy texture to the mouthfeel. Soft and harmonious, this has excellent tension and energy that carries through to a sustained, subtly nuanced finish. This is an appealing Pinot Gris that combines richness and near-unctuous textures with refreshing acidity. Match with Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine over the next 3-4+ years. Third crop fruit, stainless-steel fermented with 12% in old oak to 13.0% alc. and 18.0 g/L rs, the wine given light lees contact. 18.0-/20 Apr 2012 RRP $24.00

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Pinot Gris 2011

Pinot Gris from New Zealand – Marlborough

19/20

Bright straw-yellow colour with pale golden hues and a hint
of blush. This has a full, rich, ripe
nose with an array of interwoven yellow stonefruit, honeysuckle and complex
flinty, mineral aromas, the bouquet revealing subtle exotic florals and
building in intensity in the glass.
Medium-dry to taste, gently rich flavours of stonefruits enriched with
honey form a concentrated palate that unfolds minerally layers. The flows flow smoothly along a fine line guided
by a delicate textural thread with lacy acidity in support, providing good
energy and freshness. The flavours
blossom with lusciousness and carry through to a long, sustained and
concentrated finish. This is a softy concentrated
and complex layered, medium-dry Pinot Gris with excellent vibrancy and
richness. Serve with Asian fare over the
next 3-4+ years. Fermented in
stainless-steel with 8% in seasoned oak to 13.7% alc. and 17 g/L RS. 19.0/20
Nov 2013 RRP $24.00

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the
company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Pinot Gris 2013

Pinot Gris from New Zealand – Marlborough

18.5/20

Bright, light straw-yellow colour with golden hues and a
suggestion of blush, pale on rim. The nose
is softly full with fresh and bright aromas of yellow stonefruits and exotic
florals, along with nuances of honeysuckle intermingling with flint. The nose builds in depth, showing a minerally
core. Off-dry to taste, the fruit
flavours are still shy and tightly bound, with restrained stonefruit and honeysuckle
notes lifted by some youthful fermentation esters. The mouthfeel has real vinous presence and
weight, the palate flowing along a concentrated, near unctuous line. Fine-featured phenolics add to the structure
and the wine has elegant power and drive leading to a fresh, zesty, dry and
long lingering finish. This is a tightly
bound off-dry Pinot Gris with excellent drive and line that grow in richness
over the next 4+ years. Serve with most
white meat dishes. Fruit given long hang
time and fermented with 12% in seasoned oak to 13.7% alc. and 5.9 g/L RS, some
of the barrel portions given batonnage and undergoing MLF. 18.5/20
Aug 2014 RRP $24.00

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the
company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Pinot Gris 2014

Pinot Gris from New Zealand – Marlborough

17.5-/20

Full, even, light straw-yellow colour with a suggestion of blush. The nose is fresh with aromatically lifted,
but tightly focussed white stonefruit and exotic floral notes along with honey
and spice nuances. Dryish to taste and
medium-bodied, the palate is taut and crisp with pure white stonefruit and
floral fruit flavours. Pears, honey and
spices add subtle interest. The flavours
are up-front and fruit-focussed. This
has a soft-textured core and line, the wine flowing with good energy and drive,
enlivened by fresh, lacy acidity. The
wine carries to a light, lingering finish with gentle floral and aromatic fruit
nuances. This is a fresh, crisp and
racy, dryish Pinot Gris with pure, aromatic stonefruit and floral notes. Serve with Asian and Pacific Rim fare over
the next 3+ years. Fruit from the ‘Wiffen’
vineyards, cool-fermented in stainless-steel to 13.2% alc. and 10.0 g/L RS, the
wine aged on light lees. 17.5-/20 Jan
2015 RRP $24.00

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the
company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2009

Gewurztraminer from New Zealand – Marlborough

18.5+/20

Brilliant straw-yellow colour with a pale edge, this has a refined bouquet redolent of subtle exotic florals, apricots, wild honey, ginger and Turkish Delight. Medium-dry to slightly sweet to taste, the palate has rich and exotic floral and spice flavours on a refined, near unctuously textured, near oily and mouth-filling palate that has harmony as its highlight. Restrained in style without any blowsiness, this is fine-featured, with alcohol and acidity in poise. Excellent length. Fruit from Peter Rose's block, fermented to 13.4% alc. and 12 g/L rs. Match with Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine over the next 3-4 years. 18.5+/20 Aug 2011 RRP $24.00

Bright, light golden straw-yellow colour, and a full, dense, intense and rich bouquet of lychees and rose petals. The 13.4% alc. is noticeable, but not intrusive, and the wine tastes off-dry, with 12 g/L rs. It is the combination of tight construction and lack of blowsiness, along with super-fine unctuous textures that is remarkable here. This will develop and become richer, and more voluptuous over the next 3-4+ years. Apr 2011 RRP $24.00

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2010

Gewurztraminer from New Zealand – Marlborough

17.5+/20

Fruit from the ‘Rose’ vineyard, fermented with 12% in
seasoned French oak barriques to 13.0% alc. and 14 g/L rs. Bright, pale straw-yellow colour with pale
green tints, light on edge. This has an
elegantly concentrated and restrained bouquet with an amalgam of rose-petal
florals, subtle fresh herb and gingery spices.
Medium-dry to taste, the flavours of rose-petals and honied elements are
nuanced by some delicate herb nuances.
The feature of the palate is the smooth and fine textured flow with a
suggestion of oiliness and unctuousness which forms a vinous core enhanced by a
little alcohol power. The acidity is
soft and adds to the rounded mouthfeel.
The flavours flow with good drive to a lingering finish which classically
counterpoises delicate richness with varietal bitter hints. This is a classical floral medium-dry Gewurztraminer
with very smooth textures and mouthfeel.
Serve with Middle Eastern and Asian inspired cuisine over the next 3-4
years. 17.5+/20 Apr 2013
RRP $24.00

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the
company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Chardonnay 2009

Chardonnay from New Zealand – Marlborough

19/20

Mendoza and clone 15 from well-established vines, fully barrel-fermented to 13.6% alc., the wine aged 9 months in 28.4% new French oak barriques, with lees aging and partial MLF. Brilliant, light golden-straw colour with a pale edge, this has an intense nose of ripe citrus fruit with plenty of mealiness and nutty notes and distinctive toastiness, all in proportion and harmonious in interaction. A medium-full bodied wine, this is crisp and fresh with very intense citrus fruit intermingling with mealy, nutty flavours and an abundance of toasty oak. The flavours unfold in the glass and are mouthfilling, the richness and alcohol providing warmth and power, but there is plenty of crisp acidity for freshness and liveliness. The wine retains a degree of elegance by way of its balance, and a feature is the very long, sustained finish with citrus and oak nuances. Match with roasted and grilled seafood, poultry and pork dishes over the next 4-5+ years. 19.0/20 Aug 2011 RRP $24.55

Made from mainly Mendoza clone fermented to 13.6% alc., the wine spent 9 months in new and seasoned French oak barrels. Bright straw-yellow with light golden hues, this has a voluminous and intense bouquet of citrus fruit, mealy, nuttiness and spicy-sweet oak vanillins. On palate, waves of flavour unfold. Citrus fruits, mealiness, toasty oak, nuts and smoke fill the mouth, making this a rich and intense wine that is in full harmony. Simply a sensational, classy, flavoursome wine that will match the best pork and poultry dishes. Drink over the next 3-5 years. Apr 2011

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Chardonnay 2010

Chardonnay from New Zealand – Marlborough

17.5+/20

Brilliant straw-yellow colour with a pale edge, this has a full, soft matty nose of mealy citrus fruits, stonefruits and balanced nutty oak. There is depth and intensity. A medium-bodied wine,, the flavours are still tightly bound, with lifted citrus and mealy, nutty flavours. There is depth and proportion, and alcoholic power for the size. Fresh acidity underlines the palate with fine, soft textures, and the finish is long with a complex fruit and nutty oak amalgam. A little soft and undeveloped at present, this will become more defined and concentrated over the next 3-4+ years. Mendoza and clone 15 from two well-established blocks, 100% barrel-fermented to 13.5% alc, the wine aged 9 months in 32% new French oak barriques with lees aging and partial MLF. 17.5+/20 Sep 2011 RRP $24.55

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Chardonnay 2011

Chardonnay from New Zealand – Marlborough

18/20

Bright, pale straw-yellow colour with some green hues, lighter on rim. The nose is tight and somewhat reserved, building in intensity, revealing fresh citrus fruit aromas with oak nuttiness and spices, from the barrel-ferment. Medium-bodied, elegantly presented citrus fruit flavours combine with well-balanced notes of nutty, toasty oak and are underlined by crisp, refreshing acidity. This is sleek and flows with good line and fine, smooth textures, the flavours with drive to a very long crisp finish with citrus and toasty flavours. Tight and elegant, this citrussy, nutty, Chardonnay has good line and the potential to become richer over the next 4-5 years. Serve with seafood and creamy sauce dishes. Mendoza and clone 15 Chardonnay fruit from two well-established blocks barrel fermented to 14.2% alc., the wine aged 9 months in 27% new French oak barriques on lees, a small proportion undergoing MLF. 18.0/20 Sep 2012 RRP $24.55

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Chardonnay 2012

Chardonnay from New Zealand – Marlborough

18.5/20

Mendoza and clone 15 fruit from two well-establish blocks
barrel-fermented to 13.6% alc. and 6.4 g/L RS, the wine aged 9 months in 27%
new French oak barriques, the wine undergoing batonnage, a small portion
undergoing MLF. Brilliant lemon-straw
yellow colour with slight green hues, pale on rim. The nose is very fine and tightly
concentrated with a core of fresh citrus fruits and spicy, nutty oak, revealing
cream and toasty detail and complexity.
Medium-bodied, tightly concentrated flavours of citrus and stonefruits
with nutty, toasty oak are complemented by subtle cream and flinty
nuances. The palate has intensity and a
driven core with crisp and racy acidity in support. The mouthfeel is one of vitality, liveliness
and linearity that leads to a very long, lingering finish of citrus fruits and
nuts. This is a fresh, lively and concentrated Chardonnay of elegance, showing
citrus and oaky flavours. Serve with
seafood, poultry and pork over the next 4-5 years. 18.5/20
Nov 2013 RRP $24.55

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the
company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Chardonnay 2013

Chardonnay from New Zealand – Marlborough

18.5+/20

Bright straw-yellow colour with slight green hues, pale on
rim. The nose is softly full with aromas
of white and yellow stonefruits with an attractively rich layering of ripe
citrus fruits, nuts and creamy barrel-ferment notes that build in depth with
aeration. Dry to taste, the fruit is
softly rich, lush and gently mouthfilling with flavours of ripe yellow
stonefruits, citrus fruits and nuts. The
palate is rounded with soft, matty, grainy textures that provide a phenolic
dryness, and balanced by barrel-ferment creaminess. The acidity is quite discreet and
unobtrusive, and the wine flows smoothly to a very fine-textured, toasty and
sweet-fruited finish. This is a softly
rich and full Chardonnay with layers of citrussy fruit, cream and nutty
flavours. Serve with roasted seafood,
poultry and pork dishes over the next 4-5 years. Mendoza and clone 15 fruit, fully barrel-fermented to 13.5% alc.
and 6.0 g/L RS, the wine aged 9 months in 27% new French oak barrels, the wine
undergoing batonnage and some MLF. 18.5+/20 Jul 2014
RRP $24.55

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the
company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Chardonnay 2014

Chardonnay from New Zealand – Marlborough

18-/20

Bright, light straw-yellow colour with slight green hues,
pale on rim. The nose is softly full and
restrained in expression with a harmoniously interwoven core of white and
yellow stonefruits, citrus fruits, nuts and creamy barrel-ferment
elements. Complexing white floral, lemon
curd and oak vanillin nuances emerge with aeration. Medium-bodied, the flavours of stonefruits
show with a delicate richness, enhancing the subtle unctuous and smooth-flowing
textures and line. Citrus fruit, nuts,
creamy oak and a little MLF unfold in the glass. A finely textured linear thread and core
carries the wine with good lacy acid poise to a long, lingering, elegant
finish. This is a very youthful, elegant
Chardonnay with subtle richness and smooth textures. It has the potential to develop greater
levels of interest with a degree of finesse over the next 4-5+ years. Serve with seafood and most white meat
dishes. Mendoza and clone 15 fruit from
mature vines fully barrel-fermented to 13.3% alc. and 3 g/L RS, the wine aged 9
months in 25% new French oak, on lees with a small portion undergoing MLF. 18.0-/20
May 2015 RRP $24.55

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the
company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Pinot Rosé 2013

Rose from New Zealand – Marlborough

18/20

Bright, moderately deep, purple-pink colour, youthful in
appearance. This has a voluminous and
deeply concentrated bouquet of strawberry and raspberry fruits lifted by
confectionary notes and fermentation esters.
Off-dry to taste, lively, lush and juicy flavours of raspberries, red
florals and red confectionary fill the mouth with richness and depth. A subtle textured line supports the palate
flow, with refreshing and mouthwatering acidity providing drive. The fruit brightness is the feature and
provides a full, rounded and smooth mouthfeel that is carried to a long,
flavoursome dry finish. This is a full,
bold and juicy rose with bright, aromatic, raspberry fruit flavours and a dry
finish. Serve as an aperitif and in al
fresco dining occasions over the next 2 years.
Clone 115 Pinot Noir saignéed
and stainless-steel fermented to 13.3% alc. and 4.5 g/L RS. 18.0/20
Aug 2013 RRP $21.35

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the
company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Pinot Rosé 2015

Rose from New Zealand – Marlborough

18+/20

Bright, light purple-hued pink colour with some depth,
lighter on rim, and youthful in appearance.
The nose is very fresh and bright with pure and pretty aromas of red
cherry, strawberry and raspberry and cream, unveiling a hint of raspberry
confectionary. Red florals and nuances
of passionfruit and blackcurrant leaf add lift and freshness. Dry to taste and medium-bodied, the fruit
flavours of cherries and raspberries show with richness and a degree of
sweetness. Layers of herbs, passionfruit
and leaf lend subtle refreshing detail.
The palate has a lush, slippery flow with a positive core and smooth
textures, and the acid liveliness adds energy and tension as the wine flows to
a long, lingering finish of red florals and raspberries and cream. This is a refreshing dry rosé with smooth, rich,
raspberry and cream fruit and smooth,
slippery flow, with some passionfruit and leaf interest. Serve as an aperitif, with tapas, antipasto
and Asian fare over the next 2 years. Clone
10/5 Pinot Noir fruit from Chaytors Road and older Dijon clone fruit from
Rapaura, given 48 hours skin contact and cool-fermented in stainless-steel to
12.5% alc. and 4.5 g/L RS. 18.0+/20 Dec 2015
RRP $21.35

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the
company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Pinot Rosé 2016

Rose from New Zealand – Marlborough

17.5+/20

Bright, light, cherry-pink colour with some depth, paler on
the rim with slight purple hues. This
has a fresh, elegantly proportioned nose with bright and fragrant raspberry and
cherry fruit entwined with red florals, along with subtle notes of
confectionary and suggestions of fermentation esters. The aromatics grow in intensity and
penetration with aeration. Dryish to
taste and medium-bodied, the palate is elegantly concentrated with a core of
raspberry, cherry and strawberryish fruit lifted by red florals and notes of
confectionary. The palate balances
juiciness with refreshing acidity lending a thirst-quenching mouthfeel, and the
wine flows along a fine-textured line, carrying to a long, lingering, aromatic
finish of red berry fruits and nuances of confectionary. This is a juicy, refreshing, aromatic, dryish
rosé with
raspberry, cherry and strawberry fruit.
Serve as an aperitif, with tapas and dim sum over the next 2 years. Estate grown fruit for the rosé style, 93% Pinot Noir,
given 12 hours skin contact and tank-fermented, the wine blended with 7% Pinot
Gris. This is 12.5% alc. and 4 g/L
RS. 17.5+/20 Feb 2017
RRP $21.35

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the
company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Pinot Rosé 2017

Rose from New Zealand – Marlborough

17/20

Moderately deep, light cerise-pink colour, paler on edge
with some purple tints. The nose is
elegantly proportioned with a fresh, firm core of mouthwatering strawberry and
raspberry fruit, along with pomegranate and quince notes unfolding nuances of
herbs and a suggestion of minerals. Dry
to taste and medium-bodied, the palate has a firm and taut heart with fresh
flavours of raspberries and cream along with notes of pomegranate and quince,
unfolding some herbal nuances. The
mouthfeel is brisk with thirst-quenching acidity, and the wine flows along a
fine-textured, mouthwatering line, leading to a fresh, brisk finish of red
berry fruits. This is a taut and
refreshingly firm, dry rosé
with clean strawberry and raspberry flavours with herb notes on a mouthwatering
palate. Serve as an aperitif and with antipasto
over the next 2 years. 100% Pinot Noir fruit
from the ‘Lawson’s Dry Hills’ vineyards, given 8 hours on skins and
cool-fermented in stainless-steel to 12.0% alc. and 4.5 g/L RS. 17.0/20
Jul 2018 RRP $21.35

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the
company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Merlot 2008

Merlot from New Zealand – Marlborough

17.5-/20

Bright, deep, purple hued ruby-red in colour, with a full, well-ripened plummy, earthy, dried herb and tobacco-tinged bouquet. Fullish bodied at 13.5% alc, there is a firmness of structure with fine-grained tannin extraction, which is balanced by deep dark plum flavours. The Marlborough provenance may be seen in the slightly elevated levels of acidity, which provides tension and length. Match with roasted lamb, beef and venison over the next 4-6 years. Apr 2011 RRP$25.35

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Merlot 2009

Merlot from New Zealand – Marlborough

17.5-/20

Deepish ruby-red with a dark coloured heart and a light garnet edge, this has an elegant and concentrated nose of dark plums with black and red currants with aromas of mint, green olives and oak spices. Full-bodied, this has a rich and concentrated core of sweet dark plums with blackcurrant leaf and mint flavours showing. The fruit is supported by good, grainy tannin grip and bright acidity carrying through to a finish with length and nuances of dark berry and herbs. A low cropping vintage, the fruit from the ‘Wiffen' vineyard fermented to 13.7% alc., the wine aged 9 months in 32% new French barriques. A wine with cooler spectrum flavours with richness and the structure to match roasted lamb and beef courses over the next 5-6+ years. 17.5-/20 Aug 2011 RRP $25.35

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Merlot 2010

Merlot from New Zealand – Marlborough

16.5+/20

Ruby-red colour with some depth, lighter garnet hues on edge. This has a fresh, elegant and aromatic bouquet of redcurrant fruit, fresh red plums and florals, with notes of herbs emerging in glass. Medium-bodied, restrained flavours of redcurrants and fresh herbs feature with succulence and juiciness. This is well-proportioned with good depth and moderate concentration, balanced by fine, supple tannins and good acid brightness. The acidity carries light currant and red capsicum notes on the finish. This is an elegant and fine-featured, cooler spectrum Merlot with attractive aromatics. Match with roasted lamb over the next 4-5 years. Hand-picked fruit fermented to 13.5% alc., the wine hand-plunged and aged 9 months in 35% new French oak barriques. 16.5+/20 Jun 2012 RRP $25.35

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Merlot 2012

Merlot from New Zealand – Marlborough

17.5/20

Moderately deep, dark ruby-red colour with light purple
hues, youthful in appearance. The
bouquet is firmly packed with finely expressed aromas of black plums and
blackcurrants, minerals and cassis, along with a little underlying fragrant leafiness. Medium-bodied and elegantly proportioned, the
palate features a soft, well-concentrated core of blackcurrant and black plummy
fruit, intermixed with subtle dried herbs, minerals and blackcurrant leafiness. The mouthfeel is smooth flowing with
fine-grained tannins in support and balanced by fresh, lacy acidity, resulting in
balance and harmony. A linear drive
leads to a fine, firm and lingering finish.
This is an elegant, concentrated and balanced Merlot with blackcurrant,
black plum and leafy flavours in the cooler spectrum. It should develop well over the next 4-5
years. Serve with herb-marinated pork,
lamb and beef dishes. Hand-picked fruit from
vines in 1998, fermented to 12.7% alc., the wine aged 9 months in 26% new
French oak barriques. 17.5/20 Nov 2013
RRP $25.35

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the
company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Merlot 2013

Merlot from New Zealand – Marlborough

17.5-/20

Full, dark, deep ruby-red colour with youthful purple
hues. The nose is fresh with bold and
brash aromas of redcurrants and red plums with herb and blackcurrant leaf
elements along with creamy barrel notes.
Medium-bodied, elegantly concentrated flavours of redcurrant and fresh red
plum fruit are finely presented on the palate.
The red fruits are infused with herb and leafy notes and a suggestion of
stalk. The wine flows smoothly, the
fruit supported by fine-grained tannins and a lacy acid line which carries the
flavours to an elegant and refined finish.
Fulsome on bouquet, this elegant and fine-textured Merlot has fresh
redcurrant, plum and leafy flavours. Serve
with roast lamb and beef, or with semi hard cheeses over the next 5-6 years. Hand-picked fruit from vines planted in 1998,
given a 3 day cold soak and fermented to 12.9% alc., the wine aged 9 months in
26% new French oak barriques. 17.5-/20 Nov 2014
RRP $25.35

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the
company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Pinot Noir 2009

Pinot Noir from New Zealand – Marlborough

18.5/20

Mainly clone 10/5 with 6% 667, sixth crop off the vines, fermented 14.0% alc., the wine aged 9 months in 27% new French oak barriques. Deepish ruby-red colour with some purply-garnet hues on edge. This is intensely packed on bouquet with ripe, dark raspberry fruit aromas along with dark plum and floral notes. The noose has clarity of expression and is echoed on the palate. Bright and concentrated raspberry liqueur, plum and liquorice notes show, the flavours quite primary with juiciness. The wine is still tight and concentrated, with fine tannin grip and a firmness of structure providing line and length. Oaking is subtle and fine. The acidity is ample and adds to the fruit lusciousness, balancing the extraction, enabling a long finish. Match with duck, pork and lamb over the next 5-6+ years. 18.5/20 Aug 2011 RRP $28.20

Bright ruby-red colour, with pale purple hues, youthful in appearance, this has ripe dark berry and plum aromas along with dark cherry liqueur and violet notes. A rich, medium bodied wine, the fruit is luscious and lively, bright and juicy, yet with very good concentration and depth. Fine tannin grip and some oak toastiness bring interest and balance. 14.0% alc, this was aged 9 months in French oak. Apr 2011

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010

Pinot Noir from New Zealand – Marlborough

17.5-/20

Clones 10/5, 115 and 667 from the ‘Charles Wiffen' vineyards in the lower Wairau and Southern Valley region, hand-picked and fermented to 13.3% alc., the wine aged 9 months in 26% new French oak barriques. Ruby-red colour with good depth, some lighter garnet hues on edge showing with a little bricking. This has a soft, light bouquet of strawberry and red cherry fruits revealing savoury secondary nuances of dried herbs, brown earthy spices and mushrooms. Medium-bodied, savoury dark red berry fruit flavours form a good core supported by fine-grained, moderately firm tannins. Savoury game and mushroom elements emerge in the glass, but the wine is lively with good energy from the acidity. The flavours carry through to a sustained, finish with acidity and secondary flavour interest. This medium-bodied Pinot Noir beginning to show some development characters, but has the structure and freshness to keep 4-5+ years. Match with mushroom-influenced dishes. 17.5-/20 Sep 2012 RRP $28.20

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Pinot Noir 2011

Pinot Noir from New Zealand – Marlborough

17.5/20

Even ruby-red colour, a little lighter on rim. The bouquet is light and elegant with a finely
held nose of red cherry and berry fruits in a harmonious amalgam with herbs,
nuts and savoury, spicy oak detail that grows in the glass. Medium-bodied, the red cherry fruit is
initially restrained, but unfolds to show juiciness with savoury, nutty and
herbal notes and oak spicing. The tannins
are fine-grained and supple, and the mouthfeel fresh and lively from lacy and
integrated acidity. This is well-proportioned
and flows with good energy to a refreshing and attractively lifted floral
finish that lingers. This is an elegant,
juicy and fresh red cherry-flavoured Pinot Noir to match with antipasto,
salmon, tuna, and poultry dishes over the next 4+ years. Hand-picked fruit from the ‘Wiffen’ blocks,
clones 10/5, 667 and 115, fully destemmed, given a cold soak and fermented to
13.6% alc., the wine aged 9 months in 30% new French oak barriques. 17.5/20
Oct 2014 RRP $28.20

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the
company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Pinot Noir 2012

Pinot Noir from New Zealand – Marlborough

17.5/20

Moderately dark, even ruby-red, a little lighter on the
rim. This has a soft, restrained and
gently voluminous bouquet with seamlessly interwoven aromas of soft red berry
fruits, savoury herbs, hints of earth and game, and nutty, cedary oak. The aromatics are smooth layered with
detail. Medium-full bodied, the palate
and mouthfeel is soft and smooth, with lovely integration and layers of savoury
red berry fruits, red florals, dried herbs and earthy suggestions. This is just beginning to show some secondary
development and interest. The wine
follows an elegant line and smooth-flowing core with supple, fine-grained
tannins and integrated acidity in support.
The palate leads to a sweet and savoury long and sustained, crisp finish
of red fruits, herbs and cedar. This is
a smooth and integrated Pinot Noir with seamless savoury flavours of red
fruits, herbs, earth and cedar. Serve with
mushroom dishes, and wild duck or pork over the next 4-5 years. A blend of 64% 10/5, 23% 667 and 13% Abel
clone, hand-picked destemmed, given a cold soak and fermented to 13.7% alc.,
the wine aged approx. 9 months in 25.4% new French oak barriques. 17.5/20
Nov 2015 RRP $28.20

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the
company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates

Charles Wiffen ‘Reserve' Marlborough Pinot Noir 2007

Pinot Noir from New Zealand – Marlborough

18+/20

Moderately deep ruby-red with garnet hues and a light edge to the colour. This has a concentrated and intense nose of black berry and black cherry fruits along with some dried herbal secondary savoury aromas spiced by cedary oak. A concentrated wine with intense flavours of ripe, dark red berry fruits with savoury, earthy truffle nuances appearing, the tannin extraction and weight provides a firm backbone for the palate. The textures are quite fine, and fresh acidity provides some good tension and liveliness. Long spicy oak and earthy flavours mark the finish. Match with mushroom and game dishes over the next 4-5+ years. 14.3% alc., the wine was aged 9 months in 100% new French oak barriques. 18.0+/20 Sep 2011 RRP $35.35

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates

Charles Wiffen Marlborough Late Harvest Riesling 2009

Sweet Wine from New Zealand – Marlborough

19-/20

Made by Rebecca Wiffen. Fruit from the ‘North' block of the ‘Wiffen' vineyard cool-fermented to 10.7% alc., with 154 g/L rs. Bright, light golden straw-yellow colour, this has a full and concentrated nose of honey, marmalade, citrus fruits with botrytis-like talc and exotic florals providing an lift to the aromatics. Very rich and lusciously sweet, this has a tight core and elegance to the proportions. Fine floral fruit, honey and marmalade show with botrytis-like flavours, the palate is smooth in texture, near unctuous and soft in acidity. Still fresh and with more complexity to develop, layers of flavours will unfold over the next 4-5+ years. Match with fruit desserts and even crème caramel, as well as blue cheeses. (375 ml) 19.0-/20 Sep 2011 RRP $35.35

Made from late-picked fruit showing some noble botrytis, fermented to 10.7% alc. and around 155 g/L rs. Light golden straw-yellow in colour, this has a fulsome, decadent nose of honey, marmalade, and apricots with beautiful exotic floral notes. Very rich and lusciously sweet on palate, the honied fruit, marmalade and botrytis flavours are very well integrated and harmonious. A little more acidity to give some more cut to the softness of texture would make this close to perfect. (375 ml) Apr 2011 RRP $35.35

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade', the company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews' operates

Hopscotch Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand – Marlborough

17.5/20

Bright, very pale straw colour with slight green hues, near
colourless on rim. The nose is fresh
with finely concentrated and intense, cutting aromas of white floral and
gooseberry fruit. The aromas are pure
and fruit focussed with subtle herb and mouthwatering minerally elements
unfolding. Dry to taste and
medium-bodied, this is racy and refreshingly zesty with flavours of
gooseberries, limes and herbs, revealing some passionfruit and mineral elements
through mid-palate. The wine follows a
zesty, fine-textured core and line with plenty of acid energy, leading to a
juicy, vibrant and mouthwatering finish.
This is a crisp, racy and mouthwatering Sauvignon Blanc with gooseberry
and white floral flavours. Serve as an
aperitif, or with seafood, poultry and pasta with creamy sauces over the next 2
years. Fruit from the Southern Valleys
cool-fermented in stainless-steel to 13.2% alc. and dryness, the wine aged on
lees. 17.5/20 Jan 2015
RRP $17.95

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the
company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates

Hopscotch Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010

Pinot Noir from New Zealand – Marlborough

17.5-/20

Moderately deep, dark garnet-red colour with some brick hues
on rim. The bouquet is full and rich
with softly concentrated secondary aromas of savoury and spicy red berry
fruits, earth, dried herbs, undergrowth and oak cedar. The nose is densely packed and lifted by a
little volatility. Medium-bodied, the
palate is lively with juicy, savoury red fruit, dried herb and mushroom flavours. The secondary complexities unfold in the
glass, providing layers of interest. The
mouthfeel is lively and full of acid vitality and the wine is supported by
fine-grained tannins in the background. Well-balanced,
the wine shows good proportion and length, finishing with brisk, savoury red
fruit and earthy nuances. This is a
lively, juicy, savoury-flavoured Pinot Noir with secondary interest. Match with wild duck and pork, and mushroom
influenced dishes over the next 3-4 years. Clones 10/5, 115 and 667 from the lower Wairau
and Southern Valley region, hand-picked and fermented to 13.5% alc., the wine
aged 9 months in 26% new French oak barriques. 17.5-/20
Oct 2014 RRP $25.95

Hopscotch Marlborough Pinot Noir 2011

Pinot Noir from New Zealand – Marlborough

16.5/20

Moderately deep garnet red colour, lighter on the rim with a
little bricking. The bouquet is elegant
and slender in presentation with light, harmonious aromas of strawberries and
cherries with gentle nuances of fresh and dried herbs, red florals and subtle
oak spices. Medium-bodied, the fruit is
up-front, light and straightforward, showing strawberries and cherries entwined
with fresh and dried herbs and oak cedar.
The palate is soft and supple with modest tannin extraction, and fresh,
lacy acidity lends a degree of drive and energy. The wine leads to a light, slender finish of
strawberries, herbs and florals. This is
a light, up-front Pinot Noir with strawberry, cherry and herb flavours and a
supple, but fresh mouthfeel. Match with
tapas, antipasto and poultry dishes over the next 2-3 years. Hand-picked fruit from the ‘Wiffen’ blocks,
clones 10/5, 667 and 115, fully destemmed, given a cold soak and fermented to
13.6% alc., the wine aged 9 months in 30% new French oak barriques. 16.5/20
Jun 2016 RRP $25.95

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the
company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates

Hopscotch Marlborough Pinot Noir 2012

Pinot Noir from New Zealand – Marlborough

17.5+/20

Even, dark ruby-red colour, a little lighter on the rim with
a suggestion of garnet. This has a
finely concentrated bouquet with well-packed aromas of dark-red berry fruits
entwined with subtle nuances of fresh and dried herbs, and some nutty, spicy
oak, savoury red florals and the beginnings of secondary detail. Medium-full bodied, the palate possesses a
concentrated core of rich and moderately luscious, savoury dark-red berry
fruits melded with a layering of fresh and dried herbs. Some secondary undergrowth elements emerge to
add interest. The fruit and mouthfeel have
vitality and lacy acidity adds liveliness.
The wine flows along a gently extracted line and the structure is supple
and balanced. The wine carries to a
sustained, juicy and refreshing finish.
This is a finely concentrated, juicy dark-red fruited Pinot Noir with
some savoury secondary interest developing, on a supple, lively palate. Match with wild duck and pork dishes over the
next 4+ years. Hand-picked fruit from
the ‘Wiffen’ vineyards, fully destemmed and fermented to 13.5% alc., the wine
aged 9 months in 30% new French oak. 17.5+/20 Dec 2016
RRP $25.95

Disclaimer: This wine is distributed by ‘Wine2Trade’, the
company under which ‘Raymond Chan Wine Reviews’ operates